Be persuaded now to bear in mind,
1. That there is in the mind of God an immense difference between man and man —
[Here we are all together ; and the world sees little difference between us : but on some, God looks with pleasure and complacency ; and on others, with aversion and abhorrence. Yes, if there be one amongst us that is poor and of a contrite spirit, God says, *' To that man will I look." And he will look on him with unutterable delight, insomuch that his very *' soul" shall be refreshed with the sight of him. See this poor despised creature, whom man regards as " the filth of the world and the off-scouring of all things :" he has a beauty in God's eyes, which makes him lovely beyond all conception : his every word and thought are so dear to God, that he listens to it with delight, and records it in the book of his remembrance, and anticipates with joy the period when he shall have an oppor- tunity of testifying before the whole assembled universe his love for him*. No bridegroom ever so rejoiced over his bride, as he does over this creature that is bemoaning his own un- worthiness". No monarch conceives himself so enriched by the most splendid diadem, as God does by this acquisition to his family^: and he contemplates with inconceivable delight the prospect of securing to himself the everlasting possession of one in whom he takes so deep an interest y.
But is it thus that he looks on all ? Alas ! alas ! we read of many, whom the world accounts blessed, whom yet " his soul abhors^." On them indeed his eye is fixed, as well as on others ; but " it is upon them for evil and not for good ;" and the only complacency which he feels respecting them is, " Ah ! I will ease me of mine adversaries : their foot shall slide in due time :" " I will whet my sword, and will make mine arrows drunk with their blood ^" Think not that God is the same to all : indeed he is not : if to some he is a God of love and mercy, to others " he is a consuming fii-e." Ah ! beloved, when will ye believe this ? When will ye realize this thought ? When will ye ask. What are God's views of me ? what are his thoughts towards me ? Could you but be per- suaded to do this, we might yet hope to see you humbled before God, and God's soul delighting in you.]
2. That there is, and will be, a corresponding difference between men in the eternal world —
[Not only of the world at large are there millions " perish- ing for lack of knowledge," but even of the Church; and of
t Mai. iii. 16, 17. " Isai. Ixii. 5.
X Isai. Ixii. 3. ^ Jer. xxxii. 40, 41.
i5 Ps. X. 3. ^ Deut. xxxii. 19, 20, 35, 40—42.